A Comparison of Macroinvertebrate Communities and Their Freshwater Habitats in the Cayman Islands

Abstract

A survey of macroinvertebrates inhabiting freshwater habitats of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman was conducted between 1997 and 2008. Freshwater habitats in these islands include natural ponds, ornamental ponds, temporary pools, and natural wells. A total of 72 species was collected from the three islands with most of these being reported for the first time from the Caymans. Generally, the freshwater macroinvertebrate fauna in the Cayman Islands is sparse, most likely due to their oceanic origin, their small sizes, limited freshwater habitats, natural and human disturbances, and challenges colonizing such habitats.